The Kentucky Derby is more than a horse race, it’s a long-standing tradition – and an excellent reason for a party!
Whatever your budget or taste, there’s no wrong way to celebrate the Kentucky Derby.
So, break out the hats and Mint Juleps, it’s time to start planning your perfect Kentucky Derby party!
Whatever your budget or taste, there’s no wrong way to celebrate the Kentucky Derby.
So, break out the hats and Mint Juleps, it’s time to start planning your perfect Kentucky Derby party!
Wear a Kentucky Derby Hat
Or fascinator. Wearing one is not only tradition, it is considered to be good luck! From the fantastic to the sublime, there are no rules or limits.
View some popular styles and join in the celebration by dressing in the spirit of the day: goldcoastcouture.com/kentucky-derby-hats/
View some popular styles and join in the celebration by dressing in the spirit of the day: goldcoastcouture.com/kentucky-derby-hats/
Plan and Play Games
What’s a party without games? And what’s a Derby party without wagering games?
The Derby Hat Draw and the Lucky Longshot are two of our favorites. Learn how to play, and maybe even come up with a few of your own!
The Derby Hat Draw and the Lucky Longshot are two of our favorites. Learn how to play, and maybe even come up with a few of your own!
Serve Mint Juleps
The drink du jour of the Kentucky Derby is the mint julep, a concoction of bourbon, water, ice, and mint. There is no doubt everyone at your party will raring to drink some juelps on Derby Day, but that desire can die quick.
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mint_julep
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mint_julep
Have Other Drinks Ready
After a julep or two, lots of people will already be tired of them. (There's a reason we only drink them one day a year.)
Make sure to have some beer or wine on hand. Or just some soda to mix things up.
Make sure to have some beer or wine on hand. Or just some soda to mix things up.
Serve the Best Food
You'll want to keep up the illusion of sophistication even if your buddy Rick is passed out in the bushes by 4 o'clock. So having some hors d'oeuvres for people to snack on throughout the day is probably the best route.
Other Food Ideas
Mini hot browns are a great idea. You'll also want some sweets, too, and for that you can't go wrong with derby chocolate pie.
Those trying to get real authentic will want to whip up some burgoo, a Kentuckified meat stew.
Those trying to get real authentic will want to whip up some burgoo, a Kentuckified meat stew.